Jan 4, 2015, 2:01 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This wiki was created to distill SDC (and related standby) down to a set of rules in the hopes of benefiting others.
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
Please note that the United.com “change flight” link before checking in within T-24, is broken. The website may not show all available options and will often attempt to collect the change fee rather than the SDC fee (if any).
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Standby
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
- The departure time of the first segment of the old itinerary and the departure time of the first segment of the new itinerary must both be within 24 hours of the moment that the change is made.
- Only applies to UA/UX operated flights, domestic or international. Changing from a non-UA operated to UA operated may be possible.
- The ultimate origin and destination airports must remain the same.
- Routing can be changed (addition, deletion, or change of connection points) but the routing rules of the original fare usually apply.
- All remaining unflown segments in single fared itinerary are considered together (i.e., if you're flying WWW-XXX-YYY-ZZZ, you can go to a kiosk at XXX and potentially fly XXX-AAA-ZZZ or XXX-ZZZ direct).
- SDC can be done an unlimited number of times, and can therefore be used to extend a trip indefinitely (pending availability).
- SDC costs $75 for Members and Silvers - the fee is waived for Golds and up (plus any applicable fare difference, see below). *G's may also get free SDC, although there is no mention of this in the official rules. Once in-route, fees for an earlier connecting flight may be waived per GG SDC Line 118.
- Non-elites on the same PNR benefit from any waived fees for SDC.
- No fare difference is charged so long as there is availability on all of the new segments in the originally ticketed fare class. Fare class availability in all classes often opens up after T-24 and almost always opens up at T-3 unless the plane is very full.
- SDC on bulk tickets, including United Specials, is not permitted.
- SDC is permitted on both domestic and international itineraries.
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
- United mobile app
- Kiosk
- Phone
- On united.com, right now only the "Search Other Flight Options" button during On-Line Check-In (OLCI) works. This has spotty availability, particularly if the change would involve paying an additional fare due to fare bucket non-availability.
- Counter/Gate (although reports are that most airport agents are not familiar with the SDC policy and may not allow you to SDC to a valid itinerary--you can try to direct them to look up GG SDC, but they often won't understand that what you're trying to do is permitted by those rules)
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
- Violating various non-routing fare rules (day/time, minimum stay, etc.): Y
- Change destination to ultra-close airport (see the old S*FAR/STANDBY): A
- Change destination to a co-terminal: N*
- Change destination to an entirely different place: N
- Change itinerary at the beginning to include illegal layovers (> 4 hours): N*
- Change itinerary at the layover point (using kiosk, app, or agent) to create an otherwise illegal layover: Y
- Change itinerary at the beginning to add a layover point not permitted by the routing rules: N*
- Change itinerary at a layover point to add another layover not permitted (either in terms of number of segments or routing rules) by the routing rules: Y
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before or after the original flight: N*
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before the original flight, if the previous day's flight has been delayed: Y (based on one report)
- Combining separately-fared segments to do SDC (e.g. XXX-YYY+YYY-ZZZ -> XXX-ZZZ): A
- Change UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to UA metal: A
- Change from UA metal to UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: N (see post 1813 for one exception)
- Change from UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to a different UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: ??
- Change on a non-UA ticketed segment: N* (with potential dire consequences)
- Change from an upgraded flight into Y on the new flight: Y
- Change from a GPU-upgraded flight into J/F on the new flight: A
- Change from a CPU-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: N*
- Change from an instrument-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: A*
- Non-elite on different PNR benefiting from Elite's waived-fee SDC: A
- Change at origin airport after tendering a checked bag: N
- Change at layover airport when a bag has been checked: N
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Code:
EVERYDAY AWARD AND REVENUE BUCKETS ARE TO LEVEL OUT WITHIN 2H OF DEPARTURE
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions (with Wiki) {Archive}
Apr 5, 2019, 7:09 am
#5161
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United GS; AA EXP; Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 174
Has anyone noticed wrong PQD and award miles posted after SDC? I experienced this multiple times this year with extremely low (~$10-$30) PQDs for purchased first-class fares after SDCing to new flights.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 5, 2019, 8:16 am
#5162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
Are you looking at the total for the trip? I've noticed that the individual values will sometimes change, but the total should remain the same. If not, MileagePlus customer service should be able to help (although, if you've been doing this to get additional PQMs, there is a chance that they would give you original routing credit instead).
Apr 5, 2019, 8:18 am
#5163
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Naples - Chicago - Park City
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Amex Plat
Posts: 290
@mpiotrow is correct. I said via the app. I also specifically said I could probably call the 1K line and have them make any SDC changes. But the app is limiting per my outline above and so far no one has disproved it.
-RM
-RM
Apr 5, 2019, 8:58 am
#5164
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United GS; AA EXP; Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 174
Are you looking at the total for the trip? I've noticed that the individual values will sometimes change, but the total should remain the same. If not, MileagePlus customer service should be able to help (although, if you've been doing this to get additional PQMs, there is a chance that they would give you original routing credit instead).
Just wondering if others have experienced similar issues.
Apr 5, 2019, 9:16 am
#5165
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCI
Programs: UA 1K, WN A+
Posts: 54
Over the last few weeks I have needed to call in to get a SDC made even though the app showed the proper fare buckets available for the desired change. On Wednesday, they even had a potential over sold situation and it offered me only options on the next day, not the last flight out on Wednesday which I called in and received. Perhaps it was because my original flight was on Thursday.
Overall it does seem like lately the SDC option from the app is not behaving the way it has in the past. I have had this happen in the past when upgraded and the proper fare was not available to SDC into, but not when all fare buckets are open and available.
Overall it does seem like lately the SDC option from the app is not behaving the way it has in the past. I have had this happen in the past when upgraded and the proper fare was not available to SDC into, but not when all fare buckets are open and available.
Apr 5, 2019, 11:16 am
#5166
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA-G. WR-P, HH-G, IHG-S, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 2,911
I have Thu 4/04 0600 YVR-SFO-LAX on a cheapest G fare. I am in no rush to get home and have all day (and even Fri 4/05) to burn. I am reasonably hoping for later SFO-LAX options that would give me 1 extra PQS and 500 extra PQM. However, I'm also dreaming of the app giving me YVR-DEN/ORD/IAH which are wide open in G (while DEN/ORD/IAH-LAX G availabilities vary). All these flights depart YVR between 0615 and 0730.
My question is when OLCI window opens at Wed 4/03 0600, should I delay OLCI? Problem is YVR-SFO (738) is currently 4/16 booked. CPU may be granted soon after I finished OLCI. If I OLCI early, DEN/ORD/IAH options won't appear yet. Will a confirmed CPU at ~0610 hurt my chances for seeing later DEN/ORD/IAH offers?
My question is when OLCI window opens at Wed 4/03 0600, should I delay OLCI? Problem is YVR-SFO (738) is currently 4/16 booked. CPU may be granted soon after I finished OLCI. If I OLCI early, DEN/ORD/IAH options won't appear yet. Will a confirmed CPU at ~0610 hurt my chances for seeing later DEN/ORD/IAH offers?
1. I received the auto-CPU e-mail at 4/03 0603 and the itin became PZ-G. No options appeared on app at all. I checked in around 0900. Companion (general) was split and took my PNR.
2. Later that day seeing here a post about options on united.com, so there I went, there were a few $0 options appeared ($75 for companion). Nothing except YVR-LAX nonstop and several through SFO. But when I picked original YVR-SFO and a later SFO-LAX, it wanted to kick me back to Y for YVR-SFO.
3. So I called Premier line saying we wanted a later SFO-LAX, and preserve the CPUs. It took 20 minutes (involving another dept) but it was done. We had to re-check-in.
4. After boarding at YVR, many options appeared, but just like many had mentioned here: they were all nonstop SFO-LAX!
OT: YVR-SFO was diverted to SMF due to engine problem. We got taxi coupon and rushed to SFO and just made the SDC'd 1100 LAX flight. The 1.5-h SFO UC time created by SDC was eliminated, but the CPU'd YVR-SFO BP did get us into LAX UC. It took the agent's manual intervention though. (Supposedly no arrival access for UA*G.) Fortunately we didn't linger for the 1300 flight which was delayed until 1523.
Apr 5, 2019, 11:18 am
#5167
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
Apr 6, 2019, 6:39 pm
#5168
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: UA
Posts: 38
If I have a ticket in J cabin, can I SDC into a flight with only Y availability by calling an agent? I'm sometimes willing to go for an earlier flight if it's a short one or J seat is crappy on some regional jet. If it's doable, do I earn PQM based on J or Y?
Apr 6, 2019, 6:47 pm
#5169
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
Generally, no, although you could ask. If you were able to convince someone to allow it, you'd earn PQM on the actual fare class flown.
Apr 7, 2019, 9:12 am
#5170
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
Number 3 CAN be correct. You took it out of context. I said "additional" connection. SNA-EWR is not a connection, that's a non-stop flight. You added one connection.
I already had a connection. I was not allowed to SDC to another connection after my original flight. SNA-EWR to SNA-DEN-EWR would still fall within the parameters I have set out.
-RM
I already had a connection. I was not allowed to SDC to another connection after my original flight. SNA-EWR to SNA-DEN-EWR would still fall within the parameters I have set out.
-RM
While I understand that UA was being "generous" by leaving the App functionality (not closing the loophole) to extend a non-stop flight into a 3+ segment mini mileage run, it is still something they have "taken away" from those of us that were using it. If this is a permanent change in the app, it will be very frustrating for me personally. I have been using the SDC function to help attain yearly status and accelerate my quest for MM status. Now the best I will be able to do is add 300-1000 mile to each trip instead of 1500-2000 miles.Now, I have had success in rolling my flight (at least one day) by calling in using a phone agent (even though the App does not offer it). By the listed SDC rules, this is still ok, although I am not sure if a second "roll" will be allowed in the future. Here is an excerpt from the SDC FAQ on UA's site.
Can I change my flight to the day before or after my original flight and qualify for the same-day flight change discounted fee? Yes, as long as it falls withing the rules of the same-day change discounted fee policy.
I think there are going to be edits to the wiki over the next few months. None for the good
Apr 7, 2019, 9:20 am
#5171
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,345
Just need more data to verify this.
-RM
Apr 7, 2019, 10:56 am
#5172
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Naples - Chicago - Park City
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Amex Plat
Posts: 290
I'm going to guess that you SDC'd the origination of a flight itinerary, not at a connection point? I think data is starting to show you cannot SDC at an intermediate stop to add an overnight to your journey. This is #2 in my post from earlier this week.
Just need more data to verify this.
-RM
Just need more data to verify this.
-RM
Apr 7, 2019, 11:09 am
#5173
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Naples - Chicago - Park City
Programs: UA 1K Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Amex Plat
Posts: 290
This is a new one (to me). Made a SDC from a non-stop to a connecting flight. Wanted to SDC that back to a non-stop (which is available) and got the following on .com:
We are unable to process your request. Please see the message below for details.
- For pricing 0, unable to parse FareCalculation. Possible problem: Farecalc represents fewer segments than described by CouponInfos.
Apr 7, 2019, 12:57 pm
#5174
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
This is a new one (to me). Made a SDC from a non-stop to a connecting flight. Wanted to SDC that back to a non-stop (which is available) and got the following on .com:
We are unable to process your request. Please see the message below for details.
- For pricing 0, unable to parse FareCalculation. Possible problem: Farecalc represents fewer segments than described by CouponInfos.
Apr 7, 2019, 9:13 pm
#5175
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,516
I think data is starting to show you cannot SDC at an intermediate stop to add an overnight to your journey. This is #2 in my post from earlier this week.
Just need more data to verify this.
-RM
Just need more data to verify this.
-RM
And calling in didn’t exactly help either. When I did, the agent saw the availability but something was preventing her from making the change and she said that she had to call another department (which I knew at that point was likely bad news), and sure enough when she came back on she quoted me a change fee + fare difference since the change would create a stopover. She also mentioned that she put notes in my reservation so that other agents wouldn’t attempt to make the same change.
Needless to say, this wasn’t the outcome that I was looking for.